Richard Carrillo, 14, was gunned down in a Mt. Hope alley while visiting friends two years ago. Law enforcement announced a $3,000 reward for information about his murder.

San Diego  Richard Carrillo, a 14-year-old, was gunned down while visiting friends at his old Mount Hope apartment complex two years ago. San Diego police detectives are hoping a $3,000 reward announced Tuesday will lead to those responsible for the teen's death.

"There are still people out there who we think know what happened," acting homicide Lt. Manuel Del Toro said Tuesday. “The individuals who committed this murder, we believe they’re still out there."

Richard, known as "Richy," was hanging out with friends, sitting on the tailgate of a pickup in an alley near Island Avenue west of 36th Street about 8 p.m. when an SUV pulled up, police said. Two men got out of the vehicle and started shooting at the group. Richard tried to run away, but was killed by the gunfire.

Hundreds of people gathered to remember the teen during a candlelight vigil later that week. Detectives launched a vigorous investigation. Witnesses were interviewed and evidence was cataloged, but the trail to Richard’s killers went stale.

Crime Stoppers and the Millennial Tech Parent Teacher Student Organization, where Richard was an eighth grader, teamed up to offer the reward.

“Usually on a case like this, there are people who know, but sometimes because they fear retaliation, they don’t want to come to us,” Del Toro said.

As the two-year anniversary of her son’s death approached, Elisa Carillo, Richy's mother, posted this on her Facebook page:

“This is the time that I just fall apart thinking of you and how my whole life is going to be without you,” she wrote. “It’s been so hard for me to keep [it] together since you have been gone.”

His friends said Richard rode a skateboard, played soccer and loved video games.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call police at (619) 531-2293 or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters may be eligible for the reward if the tip leads to an arrest.